It was deep into the USA vs. Algeria game and the hopes that the U.S. would advance out of the group stage were getting less likely as the seconds went by. Fans were starting to lose hope, even though the U.S. was creating chances late into the game. This was their chance -all they needed was a win and they would be on their way to the knockout stage. Fans couldn't help to think, it's going to have to be in another 4 years. But there was the moment when Landon Donovan took it into his hands and scored one of the biggest goals since the inception of U.S. soccer.
With a win vs. Algeria, the U.S. squad would advance. But with all the chances they had, nothing seemed to fall their way. They hit the post, they missed a few great opportunities, and they even had a goal overturned. This wasn't the only time we saw a bad call make a difference for them. They had to keep on playing and that's what they did.
As the British squad took an early lead in their game, it meant with a win England was through and the U.S. must win to advance. As each minute went by and each opportunity was missed, it looked less likely that the U.S. would advance. Even coach Bradley was quoted saying "maybe it's not our night."
In the 90th minute, the U.S. had another counter attack. But this time it actually meant something. The ball was moved from north to south and this play ended with one of the most theatrical moments in U.S. soccer history.
It was the U.S. soccer legend, Landon Donovan. If anyone could have predicted who would score the game winner, all fingers would have been pointing his way. Landon goes down as possibly the greatest U.S. soccer player of all time. If you're not sure about this, then check out the U.S.A.'s two biggest goals this World Cup.
When Landon scored this goal, it wasn't only a game winner. It didn't only mean we move on to the next round. It also meant that for the first in the modern era, that the U.S. soccer team completes the group stage in first place. Finishing ahead of England is something to brag about! But now it means a single elimination match vs. Ghana, who caused problems for us in 2006.
One thing you can count on with this U.S. squad is fight. This team doesn't give up. They came back to tie it against England. They came back against Slovenia down 0-2 at halftime to tie it up and could have won if the ref made the right call. They also fought against Algeria until the final whistle and it sure paid off.
If the U.S. brings their best game to Ghana, they should do just fine. With a win, soccer may just grow a bit more in the U.S. They've made it extremely exciting and I'm sure they'll continue to give us something to talk about vs. Ghana.
With a win vs. Algeria, the U.S. squad would advance. But with all the chances they had, nothing seemed to fall their way. They hit the post, they missed a few great opportunities, and they even had a goal overturned. This wasn't the only time we saw a bad call make a difference for them. They had to keep on playing and that's what they did.
As the British squad took an early lead in their game, it meant with a win England was through and the U.S. must win to advance. As each minute went by and each opportunity was missed, it looked less likely that the U.S. would advance. Even coach Bradley was quoted saying "maybe it's not our night."
In the 90th minute, the U.S. had another counter attack. But this time it actually meant something. The ball was moved from north to south and this play ended with one of the most theatrical moments in U.S. soccer history.
It was the U.S. soccer legend, Landon Donovan. If anyone could have predicted who would score the game winner, all fingers would have been pointing his way. Landon goes down as possibly the greatest U.S. soccer player of all time. If you're not sure about this, then check out the U.S.A.'s two biggest goals this World Cup.
When Landon scored this goal, it wasn't only a game winner. It didn't only mean we move on to the next round. It also meant that for the first in the modern era, that the U.S. soccer team completes the group stage in first place. Finishing ahead of England is something to brag about! But now it means a single elimination match vs. Ghana, who caused problems for us in 2006.
One thing you can count on with this U.S. squad is fight. This team doesn't give up. They came back to tie it against England. They came back against Slovenia down 0-2 at halftime to tie it up and could have won if the ref made the right call. They also fought against Algeria until the final whistle and it sure paid off.
If the U.S. brings their best game to Ghana, they should do just fine. With a win, soccer may just grow a bit more in the U.S. They've made it extremely exciting and I'm sure they'll continue to give us something to talk about vs. Ghana.
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